Sonu Sood’s first film as a director, Fateh, hit the big screens this Friday and earned ₹2.45 crore on its opening day. The action-packed film, also starring Jacqueline Fernandez, brings a story of grit, justice, and cybercrime to the audience.
While the opening figures may not be huge compared to other recent releases, the movie held its own against Game Changer, a big-budget Telugu action film directed by S. Shankar. Featuring Ram Charan and Kiara Advani, Game Changer collected ₹7 crore from its Hindi version alone and ₹51.25 crore across all languages on day one.
Fateh: A Passion Project for Sonu Sood
Sonu Sood has made headlines before, not just as an actor but also for his humanitarian work during the pandemic. Fateh draws inspiration from real-life stories of people affected by cybercrimes during that period.
In a video shared on his social media, Sonu mentioned how cyber fraud victims had reached out to him for help during the COVID-19 lockdown. “It stayed with me,” he said, explaining that he wanted to highlight the struggles of ordinary people who face such crimes.
The movie showcases his signature style of intense action sequences and a powerful narrative, blending adrenaline-pumping scenes with moments of emotional depth. Sonu Sood also plays the lead role, adding his charisma to the larger-than-life stunts.
Stiff Competition at the Box Office
Despite its modest start, Fateh is expected to see better numbers over the weekend, especially as word of mouth picks up. The movie has received praise for its unique storyline and well-executed action.
However, the competition from Game Changer has been tough. The Ram Charan-starrer, backed by a massive budget and multi-language release, dominated theaters across India. The Hindi-dubbed version alone earned three times more than Fateh.
Audience Reactions and Reviews
Early reviews of Fateh have been a mix of appreciation for its intent and criticism for certain elements of the execution. Many fans are excited to see Sonu Sood in an action hero avatar, calling his performance raw and heartfelt. Jacqueline Fernandez also garnered praise for her energetic role, which complements the film’s high-octane vibe.
Some viewers have pointed out that the movie could have been tighter in terms of pacing, especially in the first half. But the gripping climax and Sonu’s larger message about cybercrime have resonated well with audiences.
The Road Ahead for Fateh
The upcoming weekend will be crucial for Fateh. The movie has the potential to attract family audiences who enjoy action films with a social message. With Sonu Sood’s massive fan base, especially among people who admire his real-life work, the film could see a gradual rise in box office collections.
Meanwhile, Game Changer continues to be a strong contender and might overshadow other releases in the coming weeks. For Fateh to make its mark, it’ll rely on positive word of mouth and the relatability of its story.
Sonu Sood’s journey as a director has just begun, and Fateh proves that he’s ready to tell stories with a purpose. Whether it becomes a blockbuster or not, the film has already made an impact by shining a light on a topic that affects millions.
The battle at the box office is on, and fans will be watching closely to see how Fateh fares in the days ahead.
